03
Mar
Tooth Infection? How Root Canals Work to Preserve Your Smile
You may wonder what to expect if you’ve been told you need root canal infection treatment. By answering your questions about root canals, Dr. Yvonne Caton-Hospedales can allay any doubts or fears about this procedure. At Your Smile Dental Wellness Center, we offer root canal therapy to our patients in McDonough, Georgia, and neighboring communities. Here’s what you should know about this treatment.
Why would I need a root canal?
Root canals are designed to treat an oral infection or severe decay inside your tooth’s pulp (inner chamber). A pulpal tooth infection can lead to inflamed tissues or damaged blood vessels or nerves. Pain, when you bite or chew, is often a symptom of damage to the inner chamber of your tooth. Swollen, tender gums, tooth discoloration, and extreme sensitivity to temperature changes in your mouth are other indications for root canal treatment.
How is a root canal done?
Root canal treatment entails removing the infected pulp of your tooth to stop the infection and save your tooth. For this procedure, Dr. Caton-Hospedales will numb your mouth to avoid discomfort and pain. We’ll then drill your tooth to make an opening for your pulp to be removed. The rest of your tooth structure is left intact for future use. After removing the pulp, we’ll cleanse the interior of your tooth and its canals and fill it with gutta-percha material to protect against future infection and decay.
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New Patients:
(770) 727-3378 | Existing Patients:
(770) 320-9882
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Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Depending on the state of your tooth, Dr. Caton-Hospedales may crown your tooth or cover it with an onlay (partial crown) to protect its weakened structure. A root canal can leave your tooth fragile and prone to fracturing. A crown will stabilize your tooth and reinforce its structure for future use.
Is a root canal painful?
On the contrary, a root canal can relieve pain by eliminating the infection causing your pain. The procedure itself is done under anesthesia so that you won’t feel a thing! Through root canal therapy, Dr. Caton-Hospedales can cleanse your tooth from oral infection and decay, alleviate your pain, and preserve its usefulness.
Is there an alternative to root canal treatment?
The only treatment for a pulpal tooth infection is root canal therapy. Removing the pulp eliminates the infection to keep it from spreading. The alternative would be pulling your tooth to curtail the infection and restore oral health. You could then replace your tooth with a dental implant to make your smile whole again. Like most dentists, saving natural teeth, when possible, is the better choice as it helps preserve the quality and integrity of your smile.
Who offers safe and effective root canal infection treatment near me?
You can come to Your Smile Dental Wellness Center for root canal treatment if you live in or near McDonough, GA. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Yvonne Caton-Hospedales at (770) 727-3378.
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Dr. Yvonne Caton-Hospedales
Dr. Yvonne Caton-Hospedales, Principal Dentist at Your Smile Dental Wellness Center, is highly regarded for her expertise and compassionate care. With a degree in Microbiology and Lab Sciences from Hunter College and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from New York University, she has extensive experience helping patients, particularly those with dental anxiety. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Caton-Hospedales is committed to delivering personalized, high-quality dental care. Her dedication to her patients’ well-being and attention to detail ensure you can trust her to provide exceptional and reliable treatment for all your dental needs.
Dr. Jacqueline Anthony
Dr. Jacqueline Anthony, a dedicated Associate Dentist, holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree with honors from the Dental College of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia. A Clayton County native, Dr. Anthony has been actively involved in the Student National Dental Association, serving as Vice President. Her passion for transforming smiles and serving underserved communities has led her on multiple mission trips, highlighting her commitment to compassionate care. With a blend of artistic skill and scientific knowledge, Dr. Anthony strives to enhance patient confidence through personalized dental treatments.
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